Laolu Akande, former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, stated on Thursday that Aare Afe Babalola, the renowned legal expert, has the right to seek redress for alleged defamation against him.

However, Akande criticized the use of state machinery and the police to harass activist lawyer Dele Farotimi over the alleged defamation.

Farotimi had been arrested by police officers and arraigned before an Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court for allegedly defaming Babalola’s character in his recently published book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Despite pleading not guilty to all 16 charges, the court on Wednesday ordered Farotimi’s remand in prison.

In response, Akande posted on X:

“I would like to address the recent arrest and harassment of Dele Farotimi. The decision to pursue criminal defamation by a distinguished figure like Chief Afe Babalola is concerning. Such a matter should have been addressed through civil means.

“The 1982 Nigerian Court of Appeal ruling in Nwankwo vs. State stated that individuals should not use state resources to settle personal disputes. This is why states like Lagos and Edo have decriminalized defamation.

“It is troubling to think that Pa Afe may be behind the harassment of Farotimi—something clearly captured on video. The mobilization of the Nigerian Police Force from Ekiti to Lagos to bypass the decriminalization of defamation in Lagos is particularly troubling.

“Pa Afe, SAN, as he is affectionately known, should carefully consider how the world is perceiving this situation unfolding in his name. The rapid and extensive actions taken by the police suggest there may have been behind-the-scenes efforts prompting this.

“That said, Pa Afe has every right to seek redress. He is aggrieved, and we recognize his right to do so. However, the manner in which this has been carried out is unsettling and troubling.”